U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp visited Chattanooga to help close the campaign war chest gap between his campaign and overall money leader Bill Haslam.
“If you’re in South Carolina or Georgia or Alabama running for governor in the Republican Party and you’ve raised as much money as I have, you’re at the top,” Rep. Wamp said. “You obviously have a different dynamic in Tennessee because of one particular candidate who could spend $50 million if he so chose.”
Rep. Wamp was referring to Knoxville Mayor Haslam, who has taken heat for his financial status as a Pilot Oil executive.
“I’m the wealthiest candidate in this race because of my friends and people who believe in me,” Rep. Wamp said. “That’s real wealth, not money.”
A campaign spokesman for Mr. Haslam said bickering candidates wouldn’t affect the final outcome.
“This is a three-man race between a state senator, a Washington congressman and an experienced executive,” David Smith said. “We’re going to let the voters sort that out.”
About 500 people attended The Chattanoogan for a $250-per-plate banquet, which featured a Christian rock band, a multicourse dinner and remarks from Rep. Wamp. The congressman hosted four other events Monday, anticipating a tough fight ahead.
Rep. Wamp holds third place in the GOP governor’s race fundraising, while Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey holds the runner-up fundraising slot behind Mr. Haslam.
Lt. Gov. Ramsey is prohibited from fundraising until this year’s legislative session is over, possibly leading Rep. Wamp to claim second place when updated numbers are available in April.
“It’s not a bad thing to be in session right now,” said Sara Craig, campaign manager for Lt. Gov. Ramsey. “No other candidate can have the kind of microphone that the lieutenant governor has on a daily basis.”
Rep. Wamp admitted that it could be difficult to topple Lt. Gov. Ramsey since the state’s second-in-command keeps his post even if he abandons his gubernatorial bid.
“That’s why I’m so proud of how much we’ve raised because I can’t do anything for anybody,” Rep. Wamp said. “I’m a lame duck. I don’t even go back to Congress, but I’m also all in. I’m more committed than everybody else because there is no return.”
Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester said funds didn’t matter for either candidate since each is competing for the same base.
“They’re splitting the far-right wing vote,” Mr. Forrester said. “I assume that neither of them (Rep. Wamp and Lt. Gov. Ramsey) will stay in until the end.”
The congressman didn’t see it that way, saying his ability to connect with voters and a strong statewide media campaign will carry him to Nashville.
“You have to have a certain amount of money so they see you,” Rep. Wamp said. “But frankly, spending too much money today I think is a bad thing because people don’t want anybody buying a seat of power in this country today.”
Money race
Gubernatorial fundraising: July 1, 2009-Jan. 15, 2010
* Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam – $5.73 million
* Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey – $2.75 million
* U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp – $2.57 million
Source: Newspaper archives